Let’s say that, based mostly on a “jailhouse snitch,” you were committed of a crime and sentenced to 40 years in prison. But you didn’t do it. And the “snitch” admitted he lied. And the eye-witnesses admitted that they were wrong when they identified you. In other words, all the evidence pointed to your innocence. But nobody was doing anything to get you set free.
Then you were offered a deal: either spend an indeterminate amount of time–more long years–in prison awaiting a new trial or be released now, with time served and the conviction on your record. Yes, a conviction, even though you’re not guilty. You know your family is living in a homeless shelter and that you can be out there helping them and reuniting the family. What would you choose?
That’s where Keith Cooper stood. He chose freedom and his family. Now he wants and needs his record to be clear. His prosecutor and the Indiana Parole Board have recommended a full pardon for him. Indiana Governor (and V.P candidate) Mike Pence has sat on the request for pardon since March 2014–almost 2 1/2 years.
Obviously this is a flaw in our legal system, as this sort of thing is not uncommon. But something can be done for Keith Cooper. Read a little more about this at the Change.org website and sign their petition to Gov. Pence to grant the pardon.